The Semi-Slav Defense is a variation of the Rubinstein Opening, catalogued as ECO D05. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 Bd6 5. O-O O-O 6. b3 Nbd7 7. Bb2, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.
On the Rubinstein Opening generally: ECO D05. A chess opening with 6 known variations.
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See all 10 Rubinstein Opening variations →
The Semi-Slav Defense goes 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 Bd6 5. O-O O-O 6. b3 Nbd7 7. Bb2. It is a variation of the Rubinstein Opening and is catalogued as ECO D05.
The Semi-Slav Defense is ECO D05. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Rubinstein Opening.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 Bd6 5. O-O O-O 6. b3 Nbd7 7. Bb2 at +0.12 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.